Around Australia tour

[totham]

I would like to spend a year or so travelling around Australia.

Obviously this has been done many times before

I wanted to pick your brains a bit. Where do you start the planning process?? What are some do's and don'ts?

Cheers

Stu

Totham, my girlfriend and I are leaving newcastle for a 4 week australia trip on the 22/12/03, I don't know heaps either but am keeping my ear to the ground. I'm wondering if you are planning on leaving at any time near then?? If you are give me a yell, the extra support would be much appreciated as would the company. we are definately leaving on that date an if you keen be sure to contact me here or on my email..

[Lug]

I reckon the best place to start is with the itinerary. Figure out where you want to go, chuck in approximate times to spend at each place (if you like a place you can stay longer).
For a whole year and the whole of the country this step will take ages. I'd do it before even considering what you need for the vehicle.

[baby_troupe]

What are some do's and don'ts?


Buy Fuel when the chance is there.
Just because it looks expensive now, does not mean it will be any cheaper a few hundred km down the road, if they have any at all.
Make sure you are carrying plenty of drinkable water & do not keep it all in one container.
Also make sure you empty / refel one container at a time to reduce contamination of all your water if one of your pickup points has crook water.
Get a dual battery system (a proper one) & a good quality fridge / freezer (Waeco, Engel or Bushman are the 3 brands that come to mind)
Make sure you leave with all tyres in good condition. Do not take any that may need replacing in next 10,000km or so, as these ones will have a high chance of failure / puncture on the trip.
Ensure your suspension is up to the task of carrying the extra loads you are going to be carrying, especially over corrugations.
Make sure the rest of the vehicle is in tip top shape before you start.

[bonza]

Don't do off the beaten track QLD, Territory or WA January to April. otherwise you should nearly be right

[Baldeagle]

A few questions first.........
1. What vehicle?
2. Accommodation - tenting; caravanning; camper trailing; motelling?
3. How far off the beaten track do you want to get?
4. Leaving when and from where?
5. Heading in which direction first?